Rapper reaches finals of contest

Doncaster rapper Jay Betts, who is through to the grand finals of Open Mic UK.

Published:11:34Sunday 15 December 2013

Doncaster rap star of the future Jay Betts has made it through to the grand final of a talent contest which could change his life.

The 25-year-old impressed judges at the regional finals of Open Mic UK and sailed through to the grand final which takes place next month.

“I made the performance really energetic with the songs I chose so I just came out and went for it and it paid off,” said Jay, of Wentworth Road, Wheatley, who performed a mash-up of Macklemore’s Can’t Hold Us and Sway’s Still Speedin’.

The grand final takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on January 18 and the winner takes home a £5,000 prize to spend on developing their music career.

“I’m feeling really positive about the grand final now,” said Jay.

“I’m just going to take the feeling from the area final and try to produce something that’s going to blow them away.

“There were a lot of talented artists and the next stage is just going to be even more intense so I just want to give it my all.

“Winning this could change my life so I’m just focused on getting it right.”

Jay is now appealing to local businesses for sponsorship to subsidise the cost of a coach to the NEC for fans.